Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair Myrdal and members of the committee, this completes my testimony.
• I think we, I think Representative Hanson directed us to that testimony.
• You have two very different pieces of testimony.
• I've gone back and I've listened to all the testimony.
• The testimony, you'll see it's footnoted throughout my slides today.

Summary: The committee opened with a moment of silence honoring a deceased member, then approved the April minutes. The first major presentation was from Chelsea Florey of Child and Family Services on the Diversion Task Force and related grant programs created with one-time funding from HB 1012. She reported that five of six proposals were funded, with youth diversion services operating in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, and a Red River Children’s Advocacy Center program focused on problematic sexualized behavior. Members discussed barriers such as staffing shortages, voluntary family engagement, service fatigue, and the need for better coordination, broader outreach, and possible changes to diversion eligibility rules so low-level cases can remain in diversion longer. Several legislators pressed for more practical system changes and clearer service navigation, while Florey said the task force is trying to build a service array or hub and is leaning on the Children’s Cabinet for broader recommendations. The committee then heard from North Dakota Lottery Director Thomas Lawler, who gave an operational overview and biennium report. He described the lottery’s history, games, retailer commissions, Pick and Click subscriptions, Players Club membership, and revenue distribution. For the 2023-25 biennium, about $67 million in tickets were purchased, with roughly $16.2 million transferred overall, including money for the general fund, drug task force grants, and compulsive gambling prevention and treatment. Members asked about the compulsive gambling allocation and whether the amount is set by statute. A lengthy presentation followed from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation on criminal justice data connectivity and reentry. Adam Anderson explained that North Dakota’s jail, court, HHS, and correctional systems use multiple separate databases that do not communicate in real time, requiring manual cross-checks and staff communication. He said the department is exploring a centralized hub or other integration approach, but noted challenges with identifiers, vendor contracts, confidentiality, and cost. Robin Schmolenberger then updated the committee on a Medicaid data-sharing project with HHS, saying monthly application assistance is now occurring in correctional facilities and that automated bi-directional data exchange is expected in late 2026 to help suspend and reactivate Medicaid coverage and identify former foster care youth. Members also discussed parole, probation, transitional housing, and the need for better real-time notifications and clearer data definitions. The committee also received an update from county representatives on the 24/7 sobriety program, including a recent attorney general opinion that if a court waives 24/7 fees, sheriffs may use the cheaper twice-daily breath test or urine testing instead of SCRAM bracelets or drug patches. Finally, Bruce Johnson of the Racing Commission presented on an audit report, acknowledging serious findings involving overspending from the promotion fund, grant documentation failures, a breeders fund eligibility reversal, and repeated procurement violations. He said the commission has already changed its procedures by tracking fund limits monthly, requiring grant applications and itemized reports, enforcing breeders fund rules as written, and routing purchases through procurement with written contracts. The committee asked follow-up questions throughout but took no formal votes on these presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate your testimony and sharing that experience.
• I appreciate your testimony and sharing that experience.
• Thank you for your testimony.
• Uh we testimony and time here today.
• Fischer, and proceed with your<00:46:14.560> testimony. your testimony. your testimony.

Bills: HF3131, HF3436, HF3106, HF3241, HF3531

Keywords: cancer, disability, parking certificates, transportation, state law, school bus, schoolchildren, student safety, traffic safety, stop arm, flashing red lights, amber lights, passing a school bus, 20 feet, vehicle stopping distance, driver duties, school transportation, Minnesota traffic law, school bus law, bus stop signal

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the presentation, Senator, and to both of your witnesses for your testimony.
• Thank you for the presentation, Senator, and to both of your witnesses for your testimony.
• Thank you for the presentation, Senator, and to both of your witnesses for your testimony.
• Thank you for the presentation, Senator, and to both of your witnesses for your testimony.
• Thank you both for your testimony. Now we'll take the me-toes also in opposition.

Summary: The Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety heard one item, Senate Bill 73 by Senator Cervantes, and took up committee and Elections Committee amendments. The bill was described as strengthening protections against interference in elections by extending restrictions to military personnel at polling places, protecting the chain of custody of voted ballots, and limiting law enforcement access to voting machines and voter rosters without a court order. The chair explained that the committee amendments would remove certain criminal penalties for peace officers, restore a uniform requirement for some polling-place personnel, and clarify the effect of objections by the Secretary of State or Attorney General. The author and supporters, including API Force and CHIRLA, argued the bill was needed to respond to threats of intimidation and election interference, citing concerns about armed personnel at polling places and the Riverside County sheriff’s seizure of ballots. Supporters said the measure would protect voters, especially immigrant communities and in-person voters, and preserve confidence in election administration. Opposition from the California State Sheriffs’ Association and CALA argued the bill was vague, could hinder lawful criminal investigations, and improperly restrict law enforcement and federal election oversight. After closing remarks, the committee voted to pass SB 73 as amended to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. The vote was 6-1, with one member not voting. The chair and another member recommended an aye, while one member voted no.

Transcript Highlights:

• accommodate all who wish to testify, there will be a time limit of 2 minutes per witness during the public testimony
• Seeing Nunn, thank you for your testimony. Thank you for your testimony. Appreciate it. Thank you.
• Um, Hold on, yeah, we'll proceed to testimony. Chair calls. Steve Kinnard.
• Thank you for your testimony. Members, do you have any questions of the witness.
• Parker helped co-lead that council where the benefits of AI use in Texas was showcased in previous testimony

Transcript Highlights:

• During the public testimony period, there will be a time limit of 22 minutes per witness to accommodate
• members, if there's no questions for Dean Thompson, we're gonna go ahead and move on to witness testimony
• Thank you for your testimony, members, are there any questions for the witness?
• reviewed Senate Bill 663 filed in the 89th legislative session and concurs with the most recent testimony
• I, I, I think when I listened to their testimony, first time I listened to it as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• During the public testimony period, there will be a time limit of two minutes per witness to accommodate
• Signs, placards, or any disruptive items are not permitted during the testimony.
• Members, if there are no questions for Dean Thompson, we're going to go ahead and move on to witness testimony
• One is some written testimony beside... by myself, as Rep. Diallo laid out.
• I think when I listened to their testimony the first time, I listened to it as well.

Bills: SB663, SB958

Keywords: community supervision, budget approval, corrections department, strategic plan, judicial oversight, SB 958, Texas Government Code, nondisclosure, order of nondisclosure, criminal history record information, trafficking of persons, human trafficking, compelling prostitution, survivor rights, record sealing, expunction, deferred adjudication, prostitution, controlled substances, theft

Transcript Highlights:

• We heard a lot of passionate testimony.
• <01:03:27.680> Um, lot of passionate testimony. Um, lot of passionate testimony.
• So, um, and she actually didn't even give testimony on the bill.
• <01:37:17.679> on actually didn't even give testimony on actually didn't even give testimony
• last, I I'll never forget the testimony last, I I'll never forget the testimony of<02:23:48.720>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to start public testimony.
• We're going to start public testimony.
• <00:31:53.919> to coach submits Anonymous testimony to coach submits Anonymous testimony to
• like to have heard all the testimony like to have heard all the testimony today<01:10:07.679>
• :15:52.760> so thank each person for their testimony so thank each person for their testimony

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• written testimony to the assistant clerk.
• Thank you for your testimony.
• But I think if we're testimony... Sure.
• On page 10 of your written testimony and in your oral testimony, you talked about the pipeline to reduce
• Thank you for your testimony today. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you for your testimony today.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee convened for its first hearing of the 89th regular session, confirmed a quorum, adopted committee rules by a 15-0 vote, and began review of Senate Bill 1, the state budget for fiscal years 2026-27. Chair Huffman outlined the committee’s organization, introduced staff, and described the budget as conservative and focused on one-time investments. She highlighted major SB 1 priorities including property tax relief, full funding for public education formulas, teacher pay, school safety, border security, Medicaid growth, dementia research, energy and water infrastructure, transportation, wildfire suppression, and other capital and public safety needs. Comptroller Glenn Hager presented the biennial revenue estimate, saying the state has $194.6 billion available for general-purpose spending in 2026-27, with a projected $23.8 billion ending balance from the current biennium. He cautioned that revenue growth is returning to more normal levels and that lawmakers should avoid committing short-term surpluses to ongoing expenses. He also explained that the Economic Stabilization Fund is projected to hit its constitutional cap, meaning an estimated $5.6 billion in severance tax and related revenue would remain in general revenue in the upcoming biennium rather than flow into the fund. Senators discussed whether to raise or rename the fund and the implications of keeping more severance-tax revenue in general revenue. The Legislative Budget Board then gave an overview of SB 1 and the budget’s major funding changes. LBB staff explained that the bill is essentially flat at $332.9 billion in all funds, but includes large method-of-finance shifts and major property tax relief. They detailed how prior property tax relief enacted in the 88th Legislature grew from an estimated $18 billion to $22.7 billion because of higher property values and hold-harmless provisions, and said SB 1 continues that relief with a total of $51 billion in ongoing and new property tax support. Members asked extensive questions about the automatic growth in school tax compression, the constitutional homestead exemption, COVID-era federal funding, Medicaid assumptions, and the sunset of the non-homestead circuit breaker. No additional votes or final budget actions were taken beyond adoption of the committee rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• After the two primary witnesses in support and opposition testify, then we will take Me Too testimony
• Me Too testimony? Seeing none. Let's now turn to the opposition.
• Me too, testimony, seeing none. Let's now talk to the opposition.
• Others who wish to provide me-too testimony? Thank you, Tony.
• Others who wish to provide me-too testimony?

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee met and heard a series of bills and one resolution, with the chair first outlining the consent calendar and the committee’s testimony rules. Senator McNerney presented SJR 18, a resolution condemning Citizens United and urging limits on corporate spending in elections; he argued that corporate and foreign money distort democracy, and Senator Reyes voiced support. No opposition testimony appeared. The committee then heard AB 2305, which would bar private equity firms, hedge funds, and other corporate lenders from influencing litigation decisions and treat such conduct as unauthorized practice of law. The author and Consumer Attorneys of California said the bill closes loopholes that allow outside financial interests to affect case strategy and settlements; the Civil Justice Association of California also supported it, while the International Legal Finance Association said it was neutral after amendments. AB 1977 followed, a Secretary of State-sponsored bill to clarify and correct the Online Notarization Act so remote notarizations can be implemented by 2030; the Secretary of State’s office and notary groups supported it, and there was no opposition. Assembly Member Rogers presented AB 1657, which would allow domestic violence survivors to seek temporary restraining orders without first giving notice to the restrained person, arguing that notice requirements can increase danger and delay protection. AB 1801, by Assembly Member Lee, would tighten public notice and hearing requirements for local contracts involving private immigration detention facilities, closing loopholes that had allowed rushed approvals; immigrant rights and civil rights groups supported it. Assembly Member Patel’s AB 2179 would extend e-filing and remote appearance options to workplace violence restraining orders, with support from local governments, prosecutors, unions, and other groups. Assembly Member Hart’s AB 1875 would let courts shorten or waive the six-month divorce waiting period for domestic violence survivors, with support from domestic violence advocates and several other organizations. After testimony, the committee took up votes. AB 2179 and AB 1875 both passed unanimously, AB 2305 passed 12-0, AB 1657 passed 12-0, AB 1801 passed 10-2, and AB 1977 passed 8-2. SJR 18 was adopted 10-2. The consent calendar also passed unanimously. The committee then adjourned until the following Tuesday.

Transcript Highlights:

• So if you could be concise with your testimony, I would appreciate that.
• Thank you very much for your testimony. Is there anyone who has questions for this witness?
• Thank you very much for your testimony. Thank you.
• I would also, for giving your testimony, I would also like to personally apologize for how inaccessible
• Seeing none, thank you very much for your testimony. We appreciate you coming up.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll move to testimony then. Well, uh, James, uh, chair calls James Kintero.
• Thank you for your testimony. Thanks for being here today.
• Uh, thank you, uh, for your testimony. I have a, um, question. As a general rule.
• If not, we'll Proceed to testimony. Chair calls James Quintero.
• Hearing none, we'll proceed to testimony. Chair calls up James Quintero.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please note that any written testimony submitted to the committee is considered public comment and may
• Testimony on any such bill will be limited to a statement of name I encourage members of the public who
• And I always appreciate your testimony in Housing Committee and in other places, so thank you for for
• Thank you very much for your testimony.
• And thank you for your testimony. I know even at UC Berkeley, up to 10% of folks who study there.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for your testimony, members. Are there any questions? Appreciate you being here today.
• Um, as I mentioned in my written testimony, uh, I'm a communications lawyer.
• Thanks for your testimony today, Mr. Baxter. Welcome. Thank you, Mr. Chairman and members.
• Go ahead and proceed with your testimony. Thank you so much for the opportunity to speak.
• Thank you for your testimony, members. Any questions? Uh, Representative McQueenan.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for your testimony. Members, are there any questions? I appreciate you being here today.
• As I mentioned in my written testimony, I'm a communications lawyer.
• We just heard testimony about how even in urban areas, there are places that need to be invested in,
• Proceed with your testimony. Thank you so much for the opportunity to speak.
• Thank you for your testimony. Members, any questions? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Bills: HB3713, HB3953, HB4055, HB4272

Keywords: telecommunications, local exchange companies, universal service fund, rate maintenance, business expansion, broadband access, internet service, multiunit residential properties, urban areas, affordability programs, fiber-optic cables, public land, construction permits, environmental impact, notification requirements, municipal projects, infrastructure, facility relocation, public right-of-way, 1184

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the testimony. Do any members of the public wish to testify on this bill?
• If you could identify yourself for the record and begin your testimony. I am Madam Chair.
• Swanson, please identify yourself for the record and begin your testimony.
• If you could identify yourself for the record and begin your testimony.
• But that's their testimony today.

Bills: HF2543, HF2566, HF2627

Keywords: garnishment, wage garnishment, earnings levy, bank levy, execution, judgment debtor, judgment creditor, exemption notice, exempt property, bank account freeze, financial institution levy, employer disclosure, garnishee, writ of execution, debt collection, consumer debt, collections, bankruptcy exemptions, public benefits, means-tested benefits

Transcript Highlights:

• It probably needs to be fixed even further than it is from the testimony that we've had and from the
• Grill, for being here, and thank you for your testimony. Thank you. Sure, at this time.
• Powell, and thank you for your testimony.
• I believe there may be a witness, so I yield for witness testimony and reserve my right to close.
• Not hearing any, we'll start the public testimony now.

Bills: HB368, HB3311, HB1734, HB2495, HB2716, HB793, HB3376, HB2524, HB3421, HB3446, HB3181

Keywords: electronic devices, family violence, criminal prosecution, protective orders, tracking, harassment, family allowance, decedent's estate, surviving spouse, minor children, inheritance, child support, maintenance, HB 1734, Family Code, Section 155.207, suit affecting the parent-child relationship, SAPCR, continuing exclusive jurisdiction, jurisdiction transfer

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm happy to take any testimony and questions from the committee. Thank you, Representative Vang.
• And thank you for your testimony.
• Any questions for the Commissioner or follow-up on his testimony before we move on?
• We had testimony on both now. That was our thinking there.
• Medina, to your testimony? All right. Members.

Bills: HF2784, HF2785, HF2778, HF2281, HF2576, HF2280, HF2579

Keywords: beginning farmers, agriculture, loans, economic opportunity, farmers' equity, agriculture appropriations, farm to school, early care, child care food program, school lunch program, local food, Minnesota agriculture, food access, farm-to-institution, limited market access, county fairs, biofuels, E25, ethanol, meat processing

Transcript Highlights:

• All witness testimony will be in person; there will be no phone testimony option for the hearing.
• The hearing will be streamed on the Assembly's website, and members of the public can provide testimony
• All witness testimony will be in person. There will be no phone testimony option for this hearing.
• If any member of the public in the room would like to testify, There will be no phone testimony option
• In addition to that, we've actually served as expert witness testimony for particular litigation cases

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To facilitate this hearing in a timely manner, we'll be enforcing a 1-minute limit on testimony for those
• I will be reading a list of individuals who submitted written testimony for each measure.
• If you're interested in reviewing the written testimony, please go to the legislature's website.
• We appreciate your understanding and remind you that the committee does have your testimony, that we
• <00:09:05.560> strong write written testimony in strong write written testimony in strong

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services held a hearing on several Governor’s Message nominations. The chair opened with instructions about live streaming, testimony limits, and the possibility of reconvening if technical problems occurred. One nomination, GM 542 for Jamie Gagnon to the West O‘ahu subarea of the Hawaii Health Planning Council, was initially deferred because he was not present and there was concern he may not have received notice; when recalled later in the hearing, he testified that he wanted to help address limited provider resources and improve coordination of care. The committee also heard from Christine Cabingao Ting Kang for GM 541, but she was not present and her nomination was deferred to Wednesday, March 11 at 1:00 p.m. in Room 225. The committee then heard strong support testimony for GM 688, Raelynn Tenno for the Pa‘ala Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs. Tenno said she wanted another term because of her experience caring for elderly family members and her work on emergency preparedness for older adults and condominium/HOA communities. Supporters from the Office of Aging, the PABEA chair, the Hawaii Family Caregiver Coalition, and others praised her knowledge of housing, elder issues, and community service. GM 712, Kathleen Merriam for the State Council on Mental Health, also drew support; Merriam described over 40 years in mental health work, including managing a community mental health center in Kaneohe and supporting clubhouse programs. The committee also considered GM 560, Jeffrey Hicks for the Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council. Hicks said his career in justice and juvenile work motivated him to continue contributing to rehabilitation efforts for youth. The chair and members discussed the importance of prevention and rehabilitation in juvenile justice. After testimony, the committee moved to decision-making and voted to advise and consent on GM 542, GM 688, GM 712, and GM 560, while GM 541 was deferred to a later date and time. The hearing then adjourned.